While the BMW i8 is a hybrid, could its battery have been the reason for the fire?
Here we go again. Yesterday afternoon, a BMW i8 cruising down the Kesas highway suddenly caught fire. It is still unclear what caused the fire but I have a sneaking suspicion I know what may have been the most likely cause. Authorities are still investigating to find the cause though so we should probably wait until we know more.
After being dispatched, firefighters encountered a fully engulfed BMW i8, a fast and exotic-looking plug-in hybrid sports car which ironically isn’t all that fast. The team worked diligently to extinguish the flames, successfully bringing the fire under control just 12 minutes later. However, the damage was extensive, and the vehicle was totaled.
Moreover, thankfully, the driver managed to escape unscathed, avoiding any physical harm in what could have been a far more serious situation. The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department has stated that the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. While the exact reason remains unclear, it raises important questions about potential risks associated with high-performance hybrid vehicles and electric batteries.
The BMW i8, known for its sleek design and advanced technology, has garnered attention for its performance capabilities. However, incidents like this highlight the necessity for thorough safety checks and ongoing research into the potential hazards of hybrid systems. Plus with many electric vehicle (EV) battery fires happening, one can’t help but wonder if this has anything to do with the incident.
On top of that, as authorities investigate, they will likely delve into various aspects, including electrical malfunctions, fuel system failures, or external factors that could have contributed to the fire. With hybrid vehicles becoming increasingly popular, understanding the root causes of such incidents is crucial for manufacturers and consumers alike.
While the car is an older model, this incident should serve as a reminder for drivers to remain vigilant and conduct regular maintenance checks on their vehicles. This event, while unfortunate, underscores the importance of safety in automotive engineering, particularly as we move toward a future that heavily relies on hybrid and electric vehicles.
As the investigation unfolds, the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department will continue to provide updates on their findings. For now, the focus remains on understanding what ultimately caused this fire and if the inherent nature of hybrids and EVs will only lead to certain fires. Hopefully we figure it out soon and think if a way to prevent this from happening again.
